Author's Notes 1: So the reason this was replaced twice is first there was a somewhat big typo that needed to be fixed then people couldn't read the chapter due to an error. hope it's fixed now

Hayate and all the Genin save one stood in the middle of the arena waiting for the finals to start. Most of the arena was a simple dirt clearing though off to one side was a small grouping of trees. Gaara was speaking quietly to Fū, while Shino and Hinata caught up as they hadn't had much time to talk over the past month. Lee was doing a set of handstand pushups while speaking to Sasuke and Tamari as the three swapped notes on physical training, while Dosu, and Neji stood off to the side ignoring the rest. Zaku was glaring at all the Konoha Genin with a silent promise of murder in his eyes. Sasuke was the only one with a change in outfit and it was only a kodachi strapped diagonally over his back and a pair of wakizashi on his hips.

Ten minutes before the third round was set to start there was a burst of smoke and Naruto appeared with a grin, "Hope I'm not late. Had a few last minute things pop up that needed to be addressed."

"Not a problem," Hayate said waving a hand, "You're still ten minutes early."

"Good to know!" Naruto chuckled as he gave Sasuke, Gaara, Fū, Lee and Temari a wave before walking over to Shino and Hinata, "I don't know about your training but mine was brutal!"

"Agreed," Hinata sighed, "Shizune-Sensei was incredibly strict and I dread to think how Tsunade-Sama would be as a teacher…"

Shino gave the two a nod, "I do not know how training with my father scales with Shizune or the dragons but my parents pushed me to my limits and in many ways past them," He then lowered his scarf slightly so his friends could see his small smirk, "On the plus side I finally completed the final step for one of my Kikaichu techniques."

"Oh that's going to be fun to see if it's the one I'm thinking of," Naruto cackled, "It'll definitely give Lee a run for his money!"

"That is the hope," Shino nodded as he pushed his scarf back into place.

The Genin continued to chat before Hayate called, "Alright. It's almost time so line up! The Hokage will speak soon!"

The Genin quickly formed a line and looked up to the Kage Booth high above them and waited. In the booth Hiruzen, and Yūgao sat in the prepared chairs with Shibuki, the leader of Taki, sitting on Hiruzen's right. Hiruzen was wearing simple white robes, while Yūgao now wore the red and white robes and wide brimmed hat with the kanji '火' for fire symbolizing her new status of Hokage. Shibuki was wearing a simple red scarf over a light blue robe, yellow shirt, gray pants and geta sandals. Behind each of the leaders were two Shinobi standing guard.

Looking over to Hiruzen and Yūgao, Shibuki gave a small grin, "Good batch of Genin this time. Congratulations on having all three of your Genin make it to the finals, Hokage-Sama."

Yūgao returned the grin, "I keep telling you, you don't need to call me 'Sama', Shibuki."

Hiruzen chuckled, "Perhaps he's just trying to get you used to the title Yūgao," Shibuki just gave the purple haired kunoichi a small teasing smile.

Moments later a tall figure in green and white robes, wearing a wide brimmed hat with the kanji '風' for wind on it and a white cloth acting as a mask showing only their black eyes, arrive followed by two Anbu. The three paused for a fraction of a second upon seeing Yūgao wearing the Hokage robes "Apologies for being late, Hokage-Dono. There was a small annoyance on the road."

Yūgao gave a small smile despite the internal smirk. Whichever of Orochimaru's minions he had impersonate, Rasa was doing only a slightly passable job but the flaws in the act were clearly visible, "Not a problem at all Kazekage-Dono. We are pleased you were able to make it."

"And miss the chance to see my children show their power?" The Kazekage scoffed as he sat down, "Though I must admit it was unexpected to see you had chosen a successor Hiruzen-Dono."

If there was any doubt in the minds of Hiruzen, Shibuki and Yūgao it was gone. The Leaders of Ninja Villages never used an honorific when using a Kage or Village Chief's first name. Glancing to each other Shibuki, Hiruzen and Yūgao held a silent conversation before subtly nodding. Hirzuen then turned to the Kazekage with a grandfatherly smile, "Well it was about time for me to step down and Yūgao-Chan proved she had the necessary qualities needed for the role."

The Kazekage merely nodded and turned his gaze to the arena as Hiruzen stood and moved to the edge of the platform so everyone could see him, making the stadium go silent, "First of all, to everyone visiting Konohagakure for the first time, welcome. To others who have been here before, welcome back," Some wondered why the Hokage was wearing such plain robes, "Now I'm sure some are wondering why I'm not wearing the standard Hokage robes…"

All the Genin glanced at each other with Gaara and Temari, sharing a brief a flash of worry. They had been told about the invasion and their part in it three days ago and still weren't sure how to feel about it, but that was quickly pushed out of their minds for the moment as Hiruzen continued, "I am very proud to announce my retirement and introduce you to my successor. I present to you the Godaime Hokage Yūgao Uzuki!"

As Yūgao stood next to Hiruzen, cheers spread throughout the stadium. The shinobi guards of visiting nobles glanced at their partners. It was no secret that villages used the Chunin Exams to gather intel on the hosting village and there was a lot of news about Konoha this year. Confirming that Zabuza Momochi and the last know member of the Yuki Clan were part of Konoha's forces. Three of Konoha's Elite Jonin became S-Rank Shinobi within the last six months which was unheard of in the Shinobi save for the Legendary Sannin. And now Konoha's Violet Reaper and the first of the trio to become S-Rank was the new Hokage. This was going to make waves throughout the Shinobi World.

"Thank you," Yūgao said with a smile as the cheering died down, "Now standing before us are eight of the best Genin of this generation, here to prove their worth and show us if they're ready to become Chunin. Sadly the Village Chief of Oto was unable to join us today so give a cheer to the two Genin of the newest Shinobi village!" Cheers burst out from the crowd again. As they died down Yūgao called, "Now let the final round of the Chunin Exams… BEGIN!"

Down in the arena, Naruto, Hinata and Shino were stunned while Hayate smirked at the three, "... Your Sensei is now the Hokage…" Sasuke muttered from next to Naruto, "And from your expression you had no idea."

"None," Naruto replied, still trying to process the current events, "I guess this is what the old man had her working on the past month."

"Enough chit-chat you two," Hayate stated, "Now the first fight will be Dosu Kintua of Oto against Fū of Taki. Everyone else, get off the field and head to the competitor's booth," seeing the Genin's confused looks Hayate's smirk grew slightly, "What? We said who you'd be fighting… not the order you'd be fighting."

As most of the Genin left with Naruto grumbling about being 'pranked' twice in the same day and how that wouldn't stand. Hinata patted the blond's back sympathetically. In the arena Dosu and Temari stood across from each other, "Let's see what you and that little toy of yours can do," Temari mocked with a smirk.

Dosu cocked his head to the side, "So mine's a 'toy' and yours is a 'weapon' huh? Didn't know Suna Shinobi were so hypocritical."

Dosu expected Temari to scowl and get mad but instead she smirked, "Looks like you're not as dumb as your remaining teammate looks."

"JUST WAIT UNTIL OUR FIGHT BITCH!" Zaku roared from the competitor's booth, "YOU WON'T BE LOOKING SO SMUG WHEN I'M THROUGH WITH YOU!"

"Assuming you even get past the first round," Gaara stated as he glared at the Oto Genin, "Now shut up before I muzzle you like the rabid dog you are," Zaku growled as his fingers flexed with small bursts of air escaping the tubes in his palms.

"Are you two ready?" Hayate asked, getting two nods, "Then begin!"

Dosu shot forwards at high speed as Hayate leapt back to give the two space. Temari leapt to the right as she withdrew her fan, twisted her body in a full spin and released a tall but somewhat thin tornado which made its way towards Dosu. The cycloptic Genin's eye went wide before pulling out a kunai and scraping it against his Melody Arm creating a loud screeching sound which he manipulated into the base of the tornado trying to disrupt the Jutsu, and much to his surprise managed the feat.

"Wind Release: Daikamaitachi no Jutsu!" Temari shouted as she swung her fan with all three moons showing, creating large amounts of wind currents that crashed into each other creating vacuum pockets that vanished as soon as they were created. The vortex of destructive wind moved towards Dosu who was about to leap out of the way only for Temari to swing her fan a second time creating two walls of wind that blocked off Dosu's only paths of escape.

"... Ah crap," Dosu grunted before the Daikamaitachi no Jutsu hit him and sent him hurtling into the air. The sound of the rampaging wind overpowering any attack Dosu could have made however that wasn't his plan. Instead he curled into a ball and tried to focus the sound into a defensive sphere around him. When Temari's Jutsu faded Dosu crashed to the ground, with cuts and scrapes covering him and his Melody arm had been effectively turned to scrap. Dosu slowly got to his feet and after giving the Melody a quick glance he tossed it to the side wincing as he pulled some of the twisted and sharp shards of metal from his arm though a couple remained.

"Can you still fight?" Hayate asked as he appear next to Dosu.

The Oto genin looked at his arm in thought before saying, "I have one more thing I wish to try. If it doesn't work I forfeit. Is that agreeable?" Hayate thought for a moment before nodding and backed off. Temari stood on guard, internally impressed with Dosu's will to continue despite the state of his arm. Taking a deep breath Dosu went through some hand signs, "Alright… time to put that training to use. Lightning Style: Lightning Dragon Bullet!" The area around Dosu began cracking as electricity gathered. His hair and furry ponch stood on end and began floating in the air as a draconic head started to form in front of Dosu though it was obvious it was slightly unstable. At least until Dosu thrust his uninjured hand into the center to act as a core for the Jutsu.

Once it finished forming, the dragon opened its mouth as Dosu roared, "TAKE THIS!" And the ball of lightning shot forward at high speeds however Temari simply dropped to the ground and the Jutsu flew past her and exploded a couple yards behind her, "... Of fucking course, you dodge like that. I surrender."

"Winner by Forfet. Temari of the Desert!" Hayate called, getting cheers from the crowd. Before leaving the field Dosu grabbed the strap of his ruined weapon and walked towards the archway where a couple medics were waiting. One took the ruined weapon and sealed it away before handing the scroll back as the two medics led Dosu to the infirmary. Temari had a thoughtful look as she walked to the competitor's booth. She wondered if she'd be able to pull off a Wind Dragon Bullet in a similar manner… then a small smirk appeared as she pictured using a Wind Dragon Jutsu as a makeshift whip. Something to work on later.

After using a clone to seal away the few leftover shards of Dosu's weapon Hayate called "The second fight will be Naruto Uzumaki against Shikamaru Nara, both of Konoha."

After getting fist bumps from his teammates for luck, Naruto turned to Shikamaru and gave a nod before the two turned and left the booth. As they walked, Naruto said, "Once the match starts, wait a bit. I want to do something… a little dramatic."

Shikamaru rolled his eyes but gave his friend a grin, "So long as you don't use the opportunity to take a cheap shot I'll allow it."

"Don't worry… I won't," Naruto grinned, "Just want to ruin a few people's day and cause a wave that'll throw a LOT of people for a loop… plus I do need to do something to outshine Sensei."

"In other words it's just an average day for you," Shikamaru chuckled.

"Above average this time," Naruto replied with a cackle, "At least."

Once the two were in the arena Hayate glanced at the two. Shikamaru appeared to be relaxed with his hands in his pockets but by the gleam in his eyes Hayate could tell that the young man had something planned. Naruto however was completely relaxed with a smirk on his face and arms crossed over his chest, "Are both combatants ready?"

"You bet!" Naruto replied.

"It's too troublesome to put off any longer," Shikamaru shrugged.

"Then begin!" Hayate said and as he lept back was surprised when neither Genin moved.

"Alright so I bet most of you are wondering why the hell we're not doing anything?" Naruto called out, getting a cacophony of noise in return, "Well the reason is I have a few things to say… about my heritage."

The noise was cut short instantly as everyone looked at the blond confused. He was an Uzumaki right? What else was there to know about him. Up in the Kage Booth Hiruzen's eyes went wide. Nauto wasn't about to do what he thought the young Genin was… right? Shibuki and the Kazekage looked on in curiosity while Yūgao chuckled softly. She was wondering if Naruto was ever going to reveal who his father was, and it looked like he'd planned to use one of the largest stages a Genin could ask for.

"Let me ask you all one question. Who else in Konoha within the past thirty years had naturally short to medium spiky blond hair and sky blue eyes?" Naruto asked and murmurs could be heard in the crowd for a few moments before Might Guy answered.

"The only one I can think of was Minato Namikaze," He yelled with a wide grin on his face.

"And he was often seen around my mother Kushina Uzumaki, correct?" Naruto asked, as Shikamaru's eyes went wide before his face palmed and grumbled at how obvious the connections were now that he knew of them.

Pandemonium broke out as people made the connection. Most Konoha natives were denying the now obvious connections between Konoha's most bullied Genin and the hero some people practically worshiped like a Kami. Some others were screaming their apologies, some were still as stone as if their entire world view had been shattered. All of the visiting civilians and nobles however were screaming in excitement at the thought that Konoha's Yellow Flash and the Red Death had such a promising child and heir to reach the finals of the Chunin Exam on his first try.

Naruto raised a hand and much to his surprise everyone calmed down wanting to see what he had to say next, "Now knowing my mother was an Uzumaki, and a Main Line Uzumaki it raises the question… why is my hair not bright red like the rest of the Uzumaki?" In the stands near Anko, Ibiki, Zabuza and Haku. Nartuo's sisters grinned. Naruto was about to blow everyone's minds. Zabuza simply gave Anko, and Ibiki a smirk which the two returned while Haku giggled. If there was one thing she'd learned from her first meeting with Naruto is that when he causes chaos then chances are it'll either be amusing if you're watching from the outside… or amusing when you looked back on it after enough time.

"I should have made a bet," Zabuza chuckles, "Would have made a fortune with those odds."

"The answer is simple…" Naruto said as he rolled up his left sleeve revealing a seal tag. He ripped the tag off and his hair instantly turned bright red which slowly turned bright yellow as it got closer to the tips giving it the look of a rising sun, "My oh so loving father, who's last wish was to make it known I was a Jinchūriki…" The Uzumaki family's grins grew wider as they could practically hear Hiruzen's and Jiraiya's facepalm, "Which of course made me a target of hatred. Now something that few people know is that the Uzumaki are the only ones who can safely contain any of the Biju due to our naturally dense and powerful Chakra and our powerful life force. This is one of the most probable reasons why the Uzumaki Clan was wiped out."

"So that means…" Shikamaru said getting everyone's attention, "That the reason you were hated wasn't just that you were the only one born on the day of the Kyubi attack but it was also you had him sealed inside you… wouldn't that mean if you were killed he'd just be free and everything would be back to square one minus an Uzumaki who could contain him?"

"Ding, ding, ding! Give the man a prize!" Naruto cackled, "In fact the Uzumaki are the only ones who can safely contain the Kyubi! Hence why my mother Kushina and the wife of the first Hokage Mito Uzumaki were the previous jinchūriki. Hell I'm surprised there are people who can contain the Nanabi and Hachibi. So props to those two!" In the booth with Hinata and Shino, Fū had a big grin on her face, both for Naruto causing a bit of chaos and because of the complement, "Now before anyone asks, I have NO idea why my loving father put a seal on me that was designed to surprises some of the Uzumaki's traits which was transferred to this seal tag but…" Holding up the hand with the seal tag, it was suddenly torn to shreds by a burst of Wind Chakra, "I don't care. I'm not a mini Minato Namakaze, nor am I a mini Kushina Uzumaki. I am Naruto Uzumaki! And one day I'm going to lead the Uzumaki Clan and surpass its former glory! Believe it!"

An applause grew in the audience. Starting wit Naruto's friends and family but quickly grew into an approving roar as most of the crowd couldn't help but be moved by the young man's declaration to forge his own path, "This is going to cause so many problems," Hiruzen grumbled much to Shibuki's and Yūgao amusement while the Kazekage simply arched an eyebrow.

"If nothing else," The Kazekage mused, "This will bring a lot of attention Konoha's way."

"Very true," Yūgao chuckled, "For better or worse, but we'll handle it the same way we handle everything else. One step at a time."

"As you handle any problem," Shibuki nodded.

"He's going to put a target on his back!" Hiruzen snapped.

"Possibly… but at the same time it might detract would be assassins," Yūgao mused, "Considering there are so few Uzumaki left, and even less people who'd be able to seal it… by killing Naruto they'd really just be releasing the Kyubi on the world with very few who could stop his potential rampage. Even the Hachibi is no match for the Kyubi in a one on one fight… and the Kyubi would have nothing holding him back in any future fights while a jinchūriki naturally would be golding back to keep collateral as low as possible," Hiruzen just crossed his arms and gumbled though he couldn't deny Yūgao's logic, "He also brought Taki and Kumo more attention due to them having the Nanabi and Hachibi, so you should be ready for an influx of missions Shibuki-kun."

Shibuki chuckled, "I'm sure everyone will either be ecstatic for all the upcoming work… or curse Naruto's name."

"So a rather normal response to him then," Yūgao chuckled.

Back in the arena Naruto was looking at Shikamaru with a smirk, "So with that out of the way…" Naruto got into this taijutsu stance, "Ready to rumble Shika?"

Shikamaru chuckled, "I've been ready the entire time…" He then withdrew and threw a flash bomb behind him only to be knocked to the side by a swift kick from Naruto.

"Not gonna let ya pull that Area of Control bs Shika," Naruto cackled as he charged forward hopped into the air, ducked into a somersault before sticking out a leg to try and land an ax kick on his opponent who quickly replaced himself with a log which shattered under the surprisingly heavy blow. Quickly regaining his balance, Naruto looked around before leaping to the side as an arrow shot past the spot he was just standing. Most of the audience missed the slight gleam of a wire though in the Nara Clan section a loud slap could be heard as Shikaku Nara slammed a hand to his face.

"You've got to be kidding me," Shikaku grumbled while not that far away Asuma burst out laughing having sat near the Nara's just to see Shikaku's reaction, "Adding wires to arrows to give himself incredibly thin shadows to work with… why didn't anyone else think of that?!"

"Because archery isn't a common shinobi skill dear," Shikaku's wife chuckled as she patted his shoulder.

Back in the arena, Naruto just grinned as he felt his body freeze up from Shikamaru's Shadow Possession Jutsu, "Huh. You've got more range with that then I expected," Naruto said with a small smirk, "Not bad Shika… however," Naruto flared his Chakra and broke free of Shikamaru's Jutsu, "Still had more power then I'd expect after how lazy you were in the academy."

Shikamaru walked out of the treeline bow in hand and smirk on his face, "Knew that wouldn't hold you. You've got way too much Chakra vut even restraining an enemy for a second would be enough to end most fights."

"True," Naruto chuckled before cracking his knuckles, "So how do ya want to continue?"

"Simple… I surrender," Shikamaru said, making Naruto pause before face palming, "You outclass me in every way, and I have no chance to trap you. Why bother fighting you now when retreat and making a new plan is a very valid option?"

"Winner by forfeit Naruto Uzumaki!" Hayate called getting a mix of cheers and boos at how the find concluded.

Naruto just shook his head with a laugh as the two Genin walked out of the arena. Bow slung over Shikamaru's shoulder, "That's so much like you, you lazy bastard,"

"Rather be a lazy genius, then a hyperactive fool," Shikamaru countered, giving Naruto a fist bump, "Seriously though, I had no way to beat you with how ridiculous your training's been. So instead I had to show off what I could do… but you just had to negate my flash bomb and not allow me to show off the Area of Control Jutsu."

"That Jutsu is annoying to fight and you know it," Naruto chuckled.

"Why do you think I made it?" Shikamaru asked with a raised eyebrow.

Author's Notes 2:

From what I could find 'Dono' is a more intimate version of 'Sama' these days hence why I used it. As for the 'Believe it' moment… come on. You can't tell me that wasn't the perfect moment for it XD

So… the seal that suppressed Uzumaki traits… that's pure headcanon on why Naruto doesn't have the normal Uzumaki red hair. There is 0 evidence for this theory so I don't blame anyone for not accepting this headcanon.